It’s the original Manchester cocktail bar that made its name using dry ice to create smoking cocktails with a touch of magic.
Now, over a decade since its arrival on The Avenue, Spinningfields, The Alchemist is getting a makeover – to the tune of over half a million pounds, no less.
First launched here in Manchester in 2010, today The Alchemist has a string of bars not just within the city centre but across the UK.
Image: The Alchemist
Image: The Alchemist
It was the first in a flurry of adventurous Living Venture drinking dens to push the envelope when it came to Manchester’s booming cocktail culture, with the Spinningfields’ site acting as The Alchemist’s flagship venue.
Over a decade later, it’s finally getting an upgrade fit for the 2020s.
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The group intends to return to its trend-setting roots with an extensive refurbishment, promising a significant evolution in design that will “unveil the next phase and a new era for the brand concept story”.
A CGI of how The Alchemist will look after its £550k refurbishment. / Image: supplied
A new, cosmic-inspired design taking inspiration from the universe, astrology and outer space is on the cards, as are new food and drink menus.
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These promise “a significant evolution in design for The Alchemist” in what appears to be a step away from the creative alchemy, and potion-style molecular mixology that has defined it for the past twelve years.
The renovation will also include the addition of two new private areas, designed for parties enjoying late-night cocktails.
The all-day dining and cocktail space will close on 28 February for the refurbishment to take place and reopen in late March with a brand new look, followed by a new menu offering in May that pledges to introduce a new kind of theatre as part of the drinking and dining experience.
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Image: The Alchemist
Image: The Alchemist
Whilst we’re not exactly sure what that will entail yet, as new menu details are currently being kept strictly under wraps, if The Alchemist knows how to do anything, well, they certainly know how to serve dishes with flair.
Speaking on the huge refurbishment, Simon Potts, CEO, said: “The Alchemist footprint has spread across the UK over the last few years, as we’ve taken our hospitality brand down to London and up to Scotland, but we’ve always remained a Manchester company, at heart.
“The Spinningfields venue is an institution and much loved by our teams and guests alike; we look forward to bringing our new design direction to the city in March.
“The refurbishment also marks a new phase of growth for the business as we put the recent challenges behind us and look forward to the renewed evolution and expansion of the brand.”
Feature image – TripAdvisor
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Georgina Pellant -
15th February 2022 
